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Beverages / 9.3.15

Lexington, Kentucky — The Best Place in America to Grab a Drink

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It may seem like an audacious claim. But the city more widely known as “The Horse Capital of the World” is now making its case for a new distinction.

When you account for the city’s proximity to the world’s finest bourbon distilleries (and resulting cultural influence), its sense of Southern hospitality, its thriving brewing and culinary scene, and the many unique beverage-centric experiences in and around the city …there’s a strong case to be made.

VisitLex and TLP partnered up to take a look at why Lexington, Kentucky is indeed “The Best Place In America to Grab a Drink.”

courtesy of visit lex
You might say that Lexington is to America’s Native Spirit what Napa is to wine. With nine bourbon distilleries within 35 miles of downtown, Lexington makes the perfect home base to explore the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
courtesy of visit lex
Pretty much every bar in Lexington is a “bourbon bar.
photo courtesy of visit lex
Lexington has also established an admirable craft brewing movement over the past few years. Make your way along the “Brewgrass Trail” (featuring eight local breweries) and get a taste of some of the inspired brews that have put Lexington on the map for beer.…Where else can you experience two drinking trails in one locale?
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Lexington has always been known for hospitality. The city’s unique mix of Midwestern sensibilities and Southern charm ensure that wherever you’re grabbing a drink, you’re met with a welcoming smile and maybe an interesting story or two.
Keeneland Spring Meet 2014
They don’t call it “The Horse Capital of the World” for nothing. At Keeneland, one of the world’s finest thoroughbred racetracks, you can spend an afternoon playing the ponies and enjoying the tradition, thrill and beauty of “The Sport of Kings” …all while kicking back with a perfectly crafted bourbon concoction.
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Sit by a campfire, tour a bourbon distillery, sip local craft beer, play darts and cornhole, and finish it off with some delicious craft ice cream…all in one place, the burgeoning Lexington Distillery District. You can grab a drink in an actual beer garden at the Kentucky Native Café, located in the backyard of a historic local florist and greenhouse.
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If wine is your thing, you’re a short drive to more than a dozen wineries. Fun fact: the first commercial vineyard and winery in the US was founded just outside Lexington in 1798.

 

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